Just wondering if anyone has experienced the problem im having with the factory boost gauge in my car (Volvo 1996 850R).
Bascially when the car is off the factory boost needle sits in between boost and vacuum (in the middle). To me it looks like the gauge is working well.
However - when i turn the car on, the needle moves too far to the left - at idle the needle sits to the left of the vacuum markings on the guage.
When accelerating (under boost) the needle only makes it 3/4 of the way into the VACUUM markings. It never makes it into the boost side of the gauge.
-----1----- (engine off - needle sits perfectly in the middle)
1 ---------- (idle - needle sits to the left of the vacuum marking)
---1------- (boost - needle sits 3/4 of the way into the vacuum marking)
So bascially im wondering whether its a gauge problem? - remebering the alignment of the needle is fine when the engine is off
OR
There is a leak in the piping somewhere. To be fair the car is fast, but it does feel a little underpowered, given its meant to be around the 250hp mark - although this could just be me getting use to the power
I am looking at getting an aftermarket boost gauge to measure the exact pressure, however this is some time away and in the mean time I owuld greatly appreciate any help I can get in diagnosing this problem.
Also if the piping does need replacing is it worth getting SAMCO replacements or just getting factory replacements - im not getting insane power mods in the future, maybe just a cat back exhaust and an ECU upgrade.
Thanks
Rob